I have a confession, I have an obsession....

Adele, like most of us, has stolen my heart and I can't get enough.  Neither can the CD player in my car, my computer at work, or my Iphone.  Somehow, we were able to score tickets for her Ryman show in a few months (not somehow actually...it was Bruno magic).  She hits all the essential elements for me.  Sultry sound, R&B influence, reminiscent of the 60's style.  I even adore her use of fake eyelashes and beehive-esk hair styles.  I love loving her for just being her.  Her talent is impeccable and she strikes me as a woman who is just doing what she does best.  Not over produced, just genuine, my favorite kind of everything in this world.

Check out this incredible NPR "Tiny Desk Concert".  Did I mention I also admire her sheepish humility too?

How To Be Alone

I know a lovely lady named Ellen and she recently shared this video on her blog.  Ben is out of town until Monday and he goes on trips very often.  In the last 5 years or so I have forgotten how to take joy in being alone.  Perhaps it is because when I lived in Chicago I was surrounded by people but felt more alone than ever and I don't like revisiting that feeling.  Lately I have decided not to revisit it, but redefine it instead. 

This video very much illustrates my new mindset and even gave me some more ideas that I am excited and motivated to try out while I am alone.  I especially love the dancing one, although I'm not sure I am brave enough for that one just yet.  If it wasn't pouring outside I would take that hike but instead I am going to visit the library stacks (not uncommon for me) and then curl up with some Sleepytime tea and a book.  Maybe even the one my friend Annie Downs wrote...(From Head to Foot).  From here on out, every time I am worried or anxious about being alone, I am going to re-watch this video and feel strong.  In the past few days while Ben has been away I've reconnected with old friends (I get to hang out with a old high school buddy tonight...my 6th grade boyfriend...ooh lala...and his beautiful new girl), I have seen some incredible music, I finished one book, caught up on my trashy TV, cleaned my room (still working on this one), and plan for much more. 

I always prefer having Ben by my side, but it is important for both of us that my inner joy is satisfied and he can enjoy his time away without having to worry about me.  Although I am sad to miss beautiful Katie Bruno's senior vocal recital at The U, and an opportunity to see Ben's family, so far, this trip has been lovely. 

 

Poem written and Performed by Tanya Davis who I know want to get to know.

Quote from the Creator of The Good Wife Supper Club

The Good Wife Supper Club She knows my heart.....

"Angela Hirst* once told me that my cooking style was wholesome.  When I made food, attention was paid to everything and it was lovingingly brought together and presented as a whole, beautiful dish.  I have thought about that many times, when I reflect on why it is I cook.  I don’t cook because I think I am the best or extrodinarily gifted.  I cook because I am chasing after this ideal of what good food can mean – health, pleasure, connection to persons and seasons, culture, inspiration, etc, etc.  I want all the beauty food can bring because life is hard sometimes.  Like now, it’s hard.  I worry about what I’m going to cook and  I worry about life, and then I start cooking and it brings my focus to the pleasure of my simple tasks at hand – make soup, chop this, roast that, whip that over there.  And then I am consumed in a world of comforting smells and satisfying bites, sharing with others, and it makes me feel whole."

Trying to live like THIS.

The Eat Clean Me

Miss Heather Trabucco and her amazing blog called A Shaped Life recently turned me on to The Eat Clean Diet created by Tosca Reno.  Ben and I have been reading this book (I'm trying for cover to cover) and so far we have learned so much.  I think the trouble I have is I just don't really know how to eat healthy.  Yeah I know I can grab an apple over a candy bar, but I am talking about consistent lifestyle changing eating.  It takes so much planning and I am not a very patient person.

I'm challenging myself to literally change my tastebuds.  I want to get to the point where I no longer crave a Fillet o' Fish (I just saw half of you cringe) but instead want and actually get satisfied by fruits and vegetables.  It's not that I hate veggies (I add mushrooms to my cream sauces all the time!  Haha), I've just never enjoyed the taste of raw veggies.  I really want this to change.

I'm combining this with my free and lovely Iphone/Web App called Lose It!  It is an old faithful for me and I am using it to move on from Weight Watchers.  Weight Watchers is great, for most, but I need something different.  The Lose It app is improved and better than ever! 

I, Libby Marshall, have started putting wheat germ on my cereal.  Who ever thought I would say that.  Go check out this book!

Five things that have captured my heart...

Paris Fashion Week

 Ok so I only in the last 4 years or so really started paying attention to and learning about fashion.  There are a few fashion blogs I subscribe to and I have also found myself indulging in Vogue and Elle.  This week I have been captivated by some of the styles from Paris' Fashion Week.  Check these out.  Incredible...I love the drama of these pieces (oh the gowns!!).

Madmen

Can we PLEASE have a new season already.  I am dying here.  I miss the style, the red lips, the fragility of humanity for crying out loud!  I hear rumors that the premier of Season 5 might not be till fall of 2011.  I may wither by then.  I kind of miss the days that Ben and I could watch it whenever we wanted cause we had to catch up to the current season since we didn't start when Madmen was born...now this is just torture.

Ugg - The Ashdale

It's a comfy slipper/golf shoe.  Don't know why but I just love these little goodies!!

A Fine Frenzy

I just love this fun, flirty, and sweet sound.  I love lilting music.  Always have.  Album is A Bomb in a Birdcage.  So far my favorite song is "Happier" and it's all about letting go of someone to make more room for the good in your life.  As someone who has always struggled with detachment I really relate.  I also love her gorgeous red hair!

Trip Planning

My boyfriend and I like to get out of town.  Recently he had been gone on a big trip for work but I haven't left town since the holidays and I wouldn't really call that a vacation.  Not to mention he and I were apart.  We have been discussing our next trip recently and it looks like we will be headed out of town in a few weeks.  I'll jeep you updated once we decide the delicious destination!

Drum Corps...if you aren't aware of this, you need to be.

Can I just say that drum corps amazes me? I knew about it (very very limitedly) before Ben and I started dating but I never really realized it's magnificence till this past year when Ben took me with him to the Drum Corps International (DCI) competition in Mufreesboro this past year.  I was enthralled.  The discipline these kids have to display is awe-inspiring.  The drama in the performances reminds me of ballet and I am on the edge of my seat throughout each and every performance.

I really wish I gotten the chance to see our dear friend Dan Twiford play with The Cavaliers.  I still can't believe that he was a part of this amazing organization.  It's so impressive.  Now he teaches with Rhythm X.

Below you will find a video of the Army drum Corps.  See the MAPEX branding!  That's Ben's company!  I think it's awesome that they play his brand.